Rotary releasing socket



NoV- 10, 11942 H. J. cRAiG ETAL ROTARY RELESNG SCKET 2 Sheets-Shee' l Filed sept. 2a 1941 Nov. l0, 1942.

H. J. CRAIG ET Al.

ROTARY RELEAS ING SOCKET Filed ASept. 29, 1941 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 ric f asomar: y

ao'innr nautisme soenna' Harley l. Craig and Henry @arroll Brown, Houston, and Douglas Ragland, Corpus Christi, Tex.; said Craig and Brown assignors to Baash- Ross Tool Company, Los Angeles, Calif., a corporation. of California, and said Ragland assignor to Standard @il Development Company, a corporation of Delaware .application September 29, 1941, Serial No. 412,900

l Claims.

This invention relates to well tools and relates more particularly to fishing tools useful in recovering objects irom wells. A general object of the invention is to provide a practical, eiiective fishing tool of the overshot or socket class, that is very easy to control, operate and release.

Another object of thisv invention is to provide a rotary releasing socket embodying means for imparting upward jarring blows to the sh for the purpose of freeing the same for removal.

Another and important object of the invention is to provide a rotary releasing socket that may be fully controlled, operated and released by turning the fishing string in one direction with appropriate vertical movement of the string. In the improved tool of the present invention the slips are operated to grip the fish by simple vertical movement of the string. Following setting of the slips the tool may be operated to jar the fish by right hand rotation of the fishing string while maintaining an up-pull on the string. If the jarring operation and the up-pull do not serve to free the fish the slips may be released from the ilsh by right hand rotation of the string followed by upward movement. Further, if it is desired to re-engage the tool with the nsh this may be accomplished by right hand rotation of the string accompanied by suitable vertical'manipulation. The tool is fully controlled and operated by turning or rotation of the fishing string in one direction with appropriate vertical manipulation of the string, it being unnecessary to at any time turn the string in the other direction.

Another object of this invention is to provide a rotary releasing socket embodying a novel control or latch means which provides for the full control of the tool by turning of the string in one direction only with accompanying or succeeding apropriate vertical movement of the string.

Another object of this invention is to provide a releasing socket of the character referred to in which the slips may be readily and positively freed or released by downward jarring action which frees the frictional engagement of the slips with the bowl.

Another object of this invention is to provide a fishing tool of the character mentioned in which the circulation fluid is delivered directly to the ish, being conducted through the latch means, jar means, etc.

Another object of thisinvention is to provide a releasing socket embodying a novel structure for effecting simultaneous release or retraction 0f the several slips.

a releasing socket embodying a shear pin control or connection which permits initial positive engagement of the slips with the sh without disturbing or operating the control latch, jar means, etc.

The various objects and features of our invention will be fully understood from the following detailed description of a typical preferred form and application of the invention, throughout which description reference is made to the accompanying drawings, in which:

Fig. 1 is a side elevation of the tool provided by this invention showing it engaged over a fish. Fig. 2 is a central longitudinal detailed sectional view of the tool with the shear pin broken, the slips in gripping engagement with the sh and 'the jarring means in condition for operation.

Fig. 3 is a fragmentary longitudinal detailed sectional view with the upper portion of the tool in side elevation and showing the latch means in condition-to free or retract the slips. Figs. 4, 5 and 6 are enlarged transverse detailed sectional views taken as indicated by lines 4 4, 5 5, and 5-6, respectively, on Fig. 3. Fig. 7 is atransverse detailed sectional view taken as indicated by line l-'l on Fig. 8 and Fig. 8 is an enlarged side elevation of the slip releasing lsleeve removed from the tool with theupper portion appearing in longitudinal cross section to illustrate the latch means.

The fishing tool of the present invention may be said to comprise, generally, a mandrel Il) for connection ywith a fishing string, a. tubular bowl or body ll shiftably connected with the mandrel lll, slips I2 in the body ll operable to grip a sh F, means i3 for imparting a jarring action to the fish F and means I4' for freeing or releasing the slips l2 from the fish F.

The mandrel l0 is an elongate tubular member adapted to be connected with the lower end of a fishing string. In the drawings it may be assumed that the sub l5 is the lower element of a tubular fishing string for carrying and operating the tool. In this instance, the upper end of the mandrel I0 is threaded in the sub I5. The central longitudinal iiuid passage I6 of the mandrel l0 receives the circulation fluid from the shing string and conducts it downwardly to adjacent the sh F, as will be more fully described. The mandrel I0 is provided with an annular iiange I1 spaced a suitable distance from its upper end and has a second annular ange I8 spaced a considerable distance below the ange I1. The lower-end portion I9 of the mandrel I0 is reduced A further-object of this invention is to provide in external diameter.

'rue-body u is snelonsatetubuiarmucture orassemblyearriedonthemandrel III andserving tohouse and support the various other elementsior the tool. In the construction illustrates e the body II comprises two sections, namely, an

uppersectionandalowersection'll. Thesestions28and2ihaveascrewthreadedconnection at 22 and the lower end'of the section 28 provides a downwardly facing shoulder 28 in the body II.Y Aguidebmhing 2listhreaded inthe upper end of the section 28 and shiftabb or slidinto thewellandengased overtheiishlivsrith4 the parts in this relationship. As described above, the guide bushing 2l is slidably engaged on the mandrel I8 between the flanges i1 and I8. This provides a lost motion connection or slack connection between the mandrel I8 and body I I. In accordance with the invention the guide bushing 24 is initially attached to the flange I1 to hold thebody II in therased podtion relative to the mandrel I8. The ilange I'| has depending ears 2l adapted to'iltdown over the exterior of the bushing 2|. Shear pins 28 of selected strength are arranged in openings in the bushing 24 and ears 21 to detachabiy or releasably hold the body II in its raised initial position on themandrel Ill. It is to be observed thatv the ears 21 are set out so that they do not interfere with the direct cooperation of the end face of the flange I'I with the upper end of the bushing 24. This engagement is important, as will be later cicriloed.`

The slips I2 are arranged in the bowl or lower section 2I of the body II and vare 'operable through the action of the bowl surface 25 to grip the ilsh F. There is preferably an annular or tubular series of slips I2. In the drawings I have Vshown three like slips I2, eachhaving a wedge-like active part seating on the surface 25. The outer sides of the active slip parts conform to the surface 25 and the inner sides of these parts have suitable teeth for gripping or biting the ilsh F. Rein portions 29 extend upwardly from the wedge parts of the slips I2 and terminate at ktheir upper ends in thickened parts which prent downwardly facing shoulders 30.

Spring means is provided for holding the slips I2 in the operative position to grip the fish F. A spring 8l is arranged under compression between the shoulder 28 and the upper ends of the slips I2. It will be observed that the slips I2, even though held in place by the spring 8|, do not project into the body Il to interfere with the free passage of the tool over the iish F.

I8 terminating in abrupt or vertical shoulders 88 and complementary sloping faces 8l on the lower end of the bushing 2l. In most applications ofandNareslopedor ist the 84 to produce In this way an eifective upor jarring enect may be provided action.

nipulation of the string to permit reengagement of the slips I2 with the fish in the event thisbecomes desirable.

'I'he means Il includes a shiftable sleeve 85 in the body II. -The sleeve 85 is arranged in the intermediate portion of the body' II, having an upper part extending into the body section 20 and a lower partreceived in the body section 2l. Splines 85 on the sleeve 85 slidably operate in vgrooves 81 in the body section 2li to hold the sleeve against turning movement, while permitting free axial movement. -The lower portion of the sleeve 85 extends into the upper end of the tubular series of slips 25. A collar or nut 88 is threaded on the lower end f the sleeve 85 and is adapted to cooperate with the slip shoulders 88 to raise the slips I2 to inactive positions upon upward movement of the sleeve 85 with respect to the body 'I I. It is preferred to slope the shoulders 88 and the opposing end of the nut 88 downwardly and inwardly so that their cooperation tends to urge the slips inwardly as well as upwardly.

The sleeve 85 is provided with an externaldownwardly facing shoulder 4B engageable with an upwardly facing shoulder 4I on the interior of the section 2| to limit the downward travel of the sleeve. The upper portion of the opening 42 in the sleeve 85 is proportioned to receive the lower part of the, mandrel I0 with substantial clearance, while the lower portion of the sleeve opening is reduced in diameter to 'slidably re,- celve the reduced lower part I9 of the mandrel I8. The sleeve 85 is adapted to extend downwardly beyond the lower mandrel portion I! and the sleeve opening 42 is adapted to carry the circulation fluid downwardly to immediately adjacent the upper end of the fish F, this being apparent from an inspection of Fig. 2.

The means I8 is operable by rotation of the shing string to impart upward jarring blows tothe ilshFthroughthemediumofthebocLv Il and slips I2. This may be done when considered necessary to free or loosen the fish F for ready removal. 'I'he means I8 comprises sloping faces 82 on the upper end of the mandrel flange The means Il further includes a novel latch mechanism for releasably connecting the sleeve with the mandrel I8 for operation thereby. The latch means connects the sleeve 85 with the mandrel I0 so that movement of the mandrel may free or retract the slips I2. It is a feature of the Vinvention that the latch means may be engaged,

cases,vrillloosenorfreetheiisliA inthceventthatthismayupward movement of the fishing string subsedisengaged and re-engaged by turning of the fishing string in one direction, say the right hand direction, with accompanying vertical manipulation, and it is never necessary to tum vthe string in the reverse or left hand direction.

The novel latch means comprises one or more lugs 43 on the mandrel I0. In the drawings we have shown two diametrically opposite lugs 43 positioned immediately above the shoulder 44 which occurs on the mandrel I at the upper end of its reduced portion I9. The latch means further includes latch parts formed on the interior of the sleeve 35 and engageable by the lugs 43. An upwardly facing annular" shoulder 45 is formed on the interior of the sleeve 35 at the point of graduation or change in diameter of its opening. Two diametrically opposite stop and guide abutments 46 are provided on the wall of the sleeve opening 42 above the shoulder 45. Each abutment 46 has what I will term a primary shoulder 41 extending upwardlyor vertically from the shoulder 45 and facing rearwardly relative to the right hand direction of rotation. The tops of the abutments 46 are stepped back from the shoulders 45, presenting generally horizontal ledges 48 which extend forwardly or in the right hand direction from the primary shoulders 41. Secondary shoulders 49 occur at the inner or forward ends of the ledges 48. The formation vof the abutments 46 is best illustrated in Fig. 8 of the drawings. Suitable gradual curves may connect the ledges 48 and the secondary shoulders 49. The upper edges of the abutments 46 have surfaces 50 which slope or curve downwardly and forwardly from the upper ends of the secondary shoulders 49 to the shoulder 45. The parts of the tool are preferably formed and related so that the lugs 43 engage the primary shoulders 41 and the annular shoulder 45 of the sleeve 35 when the body II is connected with the mandrel III by the shear pins 28. The lugs 43 engaged with the shoulders 45 and the primary shoulders 41 relieve the shear pins 28 of vertical thrusts and right hand thrusts to which they may be subjected in handling the tool and in lowering the tool into the well to engage over the sh F.

The means I4 further includes a latch part or keeper part 5I of inverted V-shape provided on the wall of the sleeve opening 42 above each abutment 46. The keeperl parts 5I are located so that the centers of their notches 52 are directly above and slightly forward of the secondary shoulders 49 relative to the right hand direction of turning, as shown in Figs; 2, 3 and 8. The apices of the inverted V-shaped parts 5E occur at the upper ends of the sleeve 35 and the sloping or down- 'wardly divergent arms of the V-shaped parts secured to the mandrel I0 by the shear pins 28.

'I'he tool thus lassembled is secured to the lower end of a tubular fishing string and is run down through the well on the string. The string is lowered and manipulated to engage the lower body section 2I over the fish F. The fishing string is then given a short upward movement to set or engage the slips I2 with the iish F. This initial actuation is not usually suilicient to break the shear pins 23. However, continued or further quent to setting of the slips I2 breaks the shear pins 23 and allows the mandrel I0 to move upwardly with respect to the body I I. This upward movement and the resultant engagement of the flange I8 with the lower end ofthe bushing 24 may further tighten the slips I2 on the fish F. It will be observed that when the shear pins 28 fail and the mandrel III moves upwardly with respect to the body II the lugs 43 move upwardly out of engagement with the abutments 46 and assume clear positions such as shown in Fig. 2. An upward strain may now be put on the fishing string to withdraw the fish F.

In the event the iish cannot be pulled free in this way an upward strain is taken on the fishing string and the string is turned or rotated to the right. Rotation of the mandrel I9 to the right While 'maintaining a strain on the fishing string results in a jarring of the fish F. The surfaces 32 ride over the surfaces 34 until the shoulders 33 leave the surfaces 34 whereupon the flange I8 jars against the lower end of the bushing 24 t0 provide a sharp jarring blow. Thus, rotation of the string to the right while maintaining an upward strain on the string produces an eiective upward jarring action or vibration which is transmitted to the fish F through the body I I and the slips I2. This vibratory motion or jarring action is often effective in loosening the fish so that it may be Withdrawn from the well.

In the event that the above described operations are not successful in freeing the fish F it may be desirable to disengage the socket from the fish in order that other steps may be taken to recover the iish. In this event the string is lowered. It may be desired to lower the fishing string quite suddenly so that the lower side of the flange I1 strikes the upper end of the bushing A 24 a sharp blow.v This jars the body II downwardly and frees the frictional engagement of the slips I2 with the bowl surface 25. If desired, the fishing string may be reciprocated to impart several of these downward jarring blows to the body ii to free the slips I2. The mandrel I0 is then brought to a position where the shoulder 44 engages the shoulder 45 and the mandrel is turned to the right. This brings the lugs 43 against the primary shoulders 41. A slight right hand torque is then put on the fishing string and mandrel I9 and the mandrel is moved upwardly. These operations disengage the lugs 43 from the primary shoulders 41 and cause the lugs to assume positions against the secondary shoulders 49. An upward movement of the mandral IIJ moves the lugs 43 into the notches 52 of the catch parts 5I. With the lugs 43 engaged in the notches- 52 the'shing string and mandrel I0 are raised to release the slips I 2. The upward movement of the mandrel I0 is transmitted to the sleeve 35 by the engagement of the lugs 43 in the notches 52 and the collar- 38` on the sleeve 35 engages the shoulders 30 to move the slips I2 upwardly with respect to the body Il. This upward movement of the slips I2 relative to the body II is effective in fully freeing or releasing the slips I2. With the slips I2 released in this way and suspended in the released position by the engagement of the collar 38 with the shoulders 30 the tool may be readily slipped off the sh F and withdrawn from the well. v

Instead of withdrawing the tool from the well it may be desired to re-engage the tool with the fish. If this is the case the tool is manipulated to again engage down over the fish F. With the lugs I3 engaged in the notches i2 the operator may rotate the string in order to rotate the socket over the sh F. The shing string is lowered and turnedtothe right. -Thiscauses the vlugs to move down out of the notches l2 and I :,sons'n being related for relative movement. slips carried by the body to grip an object in the well upon upward movement of the body. faces on the body and mandrel adapted to lar together l10n downward movement oi the mandrel relative to the body to loosen the irlctional engagement between the body and slips, and means operable by axial l movement and turning movement of the mandrel the slips i2. The slips I2 are actuated as above described and the ilsh F may be jarred by the means I3. as fully described above.

Having described only atypical preferred form and application of our invention. we do not wish to be limited or restricted to the specic details herein set forth, but wish to reserve to ourselves any variations or modiilcations that may appear to those skilled in the art, or of the following claims.

Having described our invention, we claim: 1. Atoolioruseonawellstringcomprisinga mandrel to be secured to the string. a' body connected with the mandrel, the mandrel and body am within the scope being related for relative movement, slips carried by the body to grip an object inthe well upon upward movement o! the4 bodyfa member movable relative to the body operable to support the slips in a retracted position, and means operable by axial and turning movement of the mandrel for connecting the member with the mandrel to be moved thereby to the position where the slips are retracted.

f2. A tool for use on a well string comprising a mandrel to be secured to the string, a body connected with the mandrel, the mandrel and body being related for relative movement, slips' carried by the body to grip anoblect in the well upon upward movement of the body, a member movable relative to the body to retract the slips, and latch means engageable upon axial and turning movement of the mandrel in one direction to connect the member with the mandrel to be moved theref by to retract the slips, the latch means being releasable upon axial and turning movement of the mandrel in said direction.

3. A tool i'or use'on a well string comprising a.

mandrel to be secured to the string, a body connected with the mandrel, the mandrel and body being related for relative movement, slips carried by the body to grip an object in the well upon upward movement of the body, a member movable upwardly relative to the body to retract the slips, and latch means for coupling the member with the -mandrel for said upward movement'thereby,`

engaged and disengaged by axial and lturning movement of the mandrel in one direction.

4. A tool vfor use on a well string comprising a mandre1tobesecuredtothestring.abodycon nected with the mandrel, the mandrel and body being related `for relative movement, slips carried by the'body to grip an object in the well upon upward movement of the body, .a Amember movable upwardly relative to the body to retract the slips, and latch means for coupling the member with theV .mandrel for said upward movement thereby. engaged and disengaged by axial and turning movement of the mandrel in one direction, the latch means comprising a part on the lmember deilning a notch. a lug on the mandrel engageable in the notch and a part on the member for directing the lug into and out of the notch upon said axial and turning movement of the mandrel. Y

5. A tool for use on a wellstring comprising a mandreltobesecuredtothestring,abodycon nected with the mandrel, the mandrel and body for retracting the slips.

6. A tool for use on a well string comprising a mandrel to be secured to the string, a body connected with the mandrel, the mandrel and body being relatedfor relative movement, slips carried by the body to grip an object in the well upon upward movement' oi the body, cooperable jar parts on the mandrel and body operable'to impart upward jarring blows to the body and ilsh, and means operable by axial movement and turning movement of the mandrel relative to the body for freeing the slips from the oblect.

f 7. A tool for use on a wellstring comprising a mandrel to be secured to the string, a body connected with the mandrel, the mandrel and body being related lfor relative movement, slips carried by the body `to grip an object in the well upon upward movement of the body, cooperable jar parts on the mandrel andr body operable to im- .part upward jarring blows to the body and fish,

faces on the mandrel and body adapted to jar together upon downward movement of the mandrel relative to the body to release the frictional engagement between the body and slips, and means operablel by axial movement and turning movement of the mandrel relative to the body for freeing the slips from the object.

8. A well tool of the character described for use on a well string including a mandrel on the string, a tubular body receiving the mandrel, the mandrel being turnably and axially shiftable relative to the body, a bowl on the body. slips in the bowl operable by upward movement thereof to grip an object in the well, a sleeve'in the body operable by upward movement to retract the slips, and latch means 'foreonnecting the mandrel with the sleeve so that the sleeve may be raised to release the slips, the latch means combowl operable by upward movement thereof to grip an object in the well, a sleeve in the body operable by upward movement to, retract the slips, and latch means for connecting the mandrelwith the sleeve so that the sleeve may be raised to release the slips, the latch means comprising-a part of inverted V shape on the sleeve, a lug on the mandrel engageable with the under side of the part so that the sleeve may be raised by the mandrel, and an abutment part onthe sleeve for directing the lug into and out of engagement with the nrst named part upon turning of the mandrel in one direction with accompanying axial movement of the mandrel.

l0. A well tool of the character described for use on a well string including a. mandrel on the string, a tubular body receiving they mandrel, the mandrel being turnably and axially shiftable ,re1- ative to the body. a bowl on the body, slips in the bowl operable by upward movement thereof to grip an object in the well, a sleeve in the body operable by upward movement to retract the slips, and latch means for connecting the mandrel with the sleeve so that the sleeve may be raised to release the slips, the latch means comprising a part of inverted V shape on the sleeve, a lug on the mandrel engageable with the under side of the part so that the sleeve may be raised by the mandrel, and an abutment part on the sleeve for directing the lug into and out of engagement with the rst named part upon turning of the mandrel in one direction with accompanying axial movement of the mandrel, the abutment having a primary shoulder for stopping the lug before it passes under said first named part and a secondary shoulderl stepped upwardly and forwardlyfrom the primary shoulder for stopping the lug where it may move upwardly into latching cooperation with said ilrst named part.

11. A well tool of the character described for. .use on a well string including a mandrel on -the string, a tubular body receiving the mandrel, the mandrel being turnably and axially shitfable relative to the body, a bowl on the body, slips in the bowl operable by upward movement thereof to grip an object in the well, a sleeve in the body operable by upward movement to retract the slips, and latch means for connecting the mandrel with the sleeve so that the sleeve may be raised to release the slips, the latch means comprising a part of inverted V shape on the sleeve, a lug on the mandrel engageable with the under side of the part so that the sleeve may be raised by the mandrel, and an abutment part on the sleeve for directing the lug into and out oi engagement with the first named part uponv turning of the mandrel in one direction with accompanying axial movement of the mandrel, the abutment having a primary shoulder for stopping the lug before it passes under said rst named part, a secondary shoulder stepped upwardly and forwardly from the primary shoulder for stopping the lug where it may move upwardly into latching cooperation with said first named part and a face sloping downwardly and forwardly from the secondary shoulder to guide the lug from under said Y iirst named part.

12. A well tool of the character described for use on a well string including-a mandrel on the string, a tubular body receiving the mandrel, the mandrel being turnably and axially shiftable relative to the body, a bowl on the body, slips in the bowl operated by upward movement: thereof to grip an object in the well, frangible means for connecting the mandrel and body against relative movement released following actuation oi the slips, a sleeve in the body operable by upward movement to retract the slips, and latchmeans for connecting the mandrel with the sleeve so that the sleeve may be raised to release the slips, the latch vmeans comprising a part oi' inverted V shape on the sleeve, and a lug on the mandrel engageable with the under side oi the part to connect the sleeve with the mandrel for upward movement therewith.

13. A tool for use on a well string comprising a mandrel to be secured to the string, a body connected with the mandrel, the mandrel and body being related for relative movement, slips carried by the' body to grip an object in the well upon upward movement of the body, a member movable upwardly relative to the body to retract the slips, means operable by rotation of the mandrel in one direction for imparting upward jarring blows to the body and object, and latch means engageable anddisengageable by turning of the mandrel in said direction with axial manipulation of the mandrel whereby the slips may be retracted and laterreturned for operation.l

14. A tool for use on a well string comprising a mandrel to be secured to the string, a body connected with the mandrel, the mandrel and body being related for relative movement, slips carried by the Ibody to grip an object in the well upon upward movement of the body, frangible means for connecting the mandrel and body against relative movement adapted to be broken following actuation of the slips, a member movable upwardly relative to the body to retract the slips, and latch means for coupling the member with the mandrel for said upward movement thereby, engaged and disengaged by axial and turning movement of the mandrel in one direction, the latch means comprising a part on the member deining a notch, a lug on the mandrel engageable in the notch and a part on the member for directing the lug into and out of the notch upon said axial and turning movement o f the mandrel.

.15. A tool for use on a well string comprising a mandrel to be secured to the string, a body connected with the mandrel, the mandrel and body being related .for relative movement, slips carried by the body to grip an object in the well upon upward movement of the body, frangible means connecting the body and mandrel against relative movement broken by upward movement of the mandrel following actuation of the slips, means made operative upon breaking oi the frangible means for producing an `upward jarring action on the body, a. member movable upwardly relative to the body to retract the slips', and latch means for coupling the member with the mandrel for said upward movement thereby, engaged and disengaged by axial and turning movement oi the mandrel in one direction, the latch means comprising a part on the member dening a notch, a lug on the mandrel engageable in the notch and apart on the member for directing the lug into and out of the notch upon said axial and turning movement of the mandrel.

DOUGLAS RAGLAN'D. HARLEY J. CRAIG. `HENRY CARROLL BROWN' 

